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Gem and Lapidary News
March 2015
The Gem & Lapidary News is the official publication of the GEM AND LAPIDARY COUNCIL
OF NEW SOUTH WALES, INC, PO Box 4233, Londonderry 2753. The executive and workforce
of the Council are entirely composed of delegates from member clubs. Council is NOT an
autonomous body.
The Gem & Lapidary Council is a member of AFLACA (Australian Federation of Lapidary and Allied
Crafts Association).
Life Councillors: Ron Beattie, Dot Caladine (dec), Frank Hall (dec),
Maurya Hutton, Marie Jenkins(dec), Dick Moppett (dec), Arthur Roffey, Bob Wright (dec) Joan Ball.
EXECUTIVE:
President:
Vice Presidents:
Gem and Lapidary
News
March 2015
Vol 41 No 2
Print Post Approved PP243352/00002
Barbara Try (Northern Districts) 0417 676 435m
Colin Wright (Port Hacking)
Tony Try (Central Coast)
Secretary:
Arthur Roffey (MinSoc) 0245 725 812 h
[email protected]
Minute Secretary: Marilyn Behrens (Parra-Holroyd) 02 9635 8218 h
Assist Minute Sec Mick Lane (Blue Mountains)
Treasurer:
John Behrens (Parra-Holroyd) 02 9635 8218 h
Assist. Treasurer: John Vincent (Hawkesbury Valley)
Committee:
Ron Jones (Parramatta-Holroyd)
Wally Dove (Port Hacking)
Marcia Hill (Western Suburbs
Appointments: Public Officer, John Vincent; Honorary Auditor, J Smith OAM, FCPA, MACS, PCP;
Editor, Sandra Maher: [email protected] John Behrens, Equipment Officer;
Magazine-Newsletter Competition Judges: Wally Dove and John Behrens.
HOT LINE TO THE COUNCIL - 0427 993 903 Website: http://www.gemlapidarycouncilnsw.org.au/
[email protected] Webmaster Alex Maitland (please send updated
information)
COUNCIL MEETINGS
EXECUTIVE: 4th Wednesday in the month
MONTHLY: 4th Wednesday in the month, at 1.00pm
The venue, unless otherwise stated,is at the Clubrooms of Parramatta-Holroyd Lapidary Club, 73
Fullagar Rd, Wentworthville Visitors are welcome to attend Monthly Meetings
SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THE GEM & LAPIDARY NEWS
$20 if posted bulk to your club
$25 if posted to members private address
$30 for non-members of the G&L Council
ADVERTISING RATES per issue in Black and White.
Full page - $40 per issue
1/2 page “ “ $25,
1/3 page “ “ $20,
Please send payment with advertising booking and copy.
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Gem and Lapidary News
March 2015
Contents
1-6
8 -9
10
11
12-14
15
17
18
19
20
Wednesday
18th
Council News
Meet Your Councillors
Food for Thought
Letter from Tucson
Hawkesbury Show Competition Schedule
What’s Coming Up.
Chrysocolla
Kunzite
Entry Form Hawkesbury Show.
WWW
NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
March at the clubrooms of the Parramatta-Holroyd Lapidary Club
73 Fullagar Rd, Wentworthville
Please do come, you will be made very welcome
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* DEADLINE FOR COPY for
April 2015 issue *
Friday March 27th 2015
Club Editors; please add me to your mailing list to receive your Club newsletters. Ed.
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Reports from general meeting of G & L Wednesday, February 25, 2015 held at
the clubrooms of the Parramatta-Holroyd Lapidary Club
J&R Report:
1. Congratulations to our two new cabbing judges: Sue O‟Neil of Goulburn Club
and Pam Ferris of Port Hacking Club.
2. Barbara complied with the request from Victoria for help in judging GEMBOREE
competition entries for Horsham, and arranged a day at Central Coast. All went
well, and some more judging will be done at Horsham. Thank you everyone.
3. Judges have been requested Hawkesbury Show. Barbara has allocated most;
a few still to be confirmed.
4. AFG has requested judges for 20th & 21st.
5. Barbara and Tony will be away from March 29 to the end of July. They can still
be contacted- see General Business.
6. There are 4 candidates for the faceting judging course Nelson will hold on March
14-15.
7. John asked about judging criteria for the newly-popular technique known as
metal folding. Barbara said it would be judged as metal sheet work, but if it is
enamelled, then it will be judged as enamelling.
Education Report: Delegates are thinking about introducing “teach the teachers”
and how it may work. If you have ideas, we‟d love to hear them.
Editor’s Report:
Sandra asked if club show flyers could be included in the digital version of the G&L
News. The meeting agreed.
Marilyn also reminded delegates of Sandra‟s request for a, perhaps, ½ page story
on them to go with the photos John took last year.
GEMKHANA Report October 3-4-5
1. Although we still do not have a competition committee, Barbara will work on a
schedule for this year so it can be included in
the G&L News and on the
website ASAP.
2. People need to inspect the pavilion ASAP to plan the event. Arthur, Mick and, if
possible, John and Marilyn will go to the Hawkesbury Showground in the next few
weeks.
3. Catering yet needs to be looked at.
March
Gem and Lapidary News
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GEMBOREEE 2017: Lithgow – Easter
Some roles have been filled, but there are still more. It is vital we find a Registrar
very soon, and he/she will need the support of a club or clubs.
1. A visit to inspect the grounds and pavilion is on March 11. To attend are: Arthur Roffey,
Alan McRae, Ernst Holland, Barbara & Tony Try, Annette & Alan Clarke, John Vincent,
Mick Lane, Colin Wright, John & Marilyn Behrens. Mick will
collect the keys from
Robbie Park (?) at Lithgow Council. Arthur & Mick will bring long measuring tapes.
Clubs should also keep in mind that any club that assists with the practical
running/organising of the GEMBOREE
will get FREE tailgating space at the
GEMBOREE for the duration of the event. Keep in mind that material sold at the
free tailgating stall MUST be club material - that is, it is not to be owned by an
individual. It is aimed to benefit
the club as a whole.
GEMBOREE 2015: Below are items on the agenda for AFLACA meetings that will be held
at Horsham, and we need to tell our delegates how we want them to vote...
Submission 1: from NSW recommending the new J&R Manual be sold to organisations at
$6 per copy.
Noted here that of the 1500 copies printed, 994 copies are already spoken for.
Submission 2: from Victoria regarding Paul Howard‟s offer of a new trophy to be awarded
to a person who has done the most outstanding job connected with a GEMBOREE – a
perpetual trophy to run for 50 years. Victoria recommends it be changed to be awarded in
a section of competition involving Queensland agate. Today‟s meeting recommended
rejecting both. For some years AFLACA has worked at deleting perpetual trophies (the
ones that have to be returned every year). Further, that there are already sections where
agate can be specified. It would require that every GEMBOREE competition for the next 50
years include Queensland agate.
Submission 3: from Victoria asking that AFLACA take out an insurance policy to cover
lapidaries all over Australia for non-commercial tailgating, in an effort to reduce the rate that
now stands at $20 per day. While it sounds good, no insurance company would now issue
such a policy. Keeping in mind that QBE and now CGU wouldn’t accept a State-wide policy
for personal accident. That now must be taken out individually by clubs.
Next meeting: Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 73 Fullagar Rd, Wentworthville
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Gem and Lapidary News
March 2015
March 2015
Gem and Lapidary News
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Gem and Lapidary News
March 2015
GEMBOREE 2017 NEWS
GEMKHANA 2015
2015 GEMBOREE is only a few days away, and before you know it, the results will be
available.
October 3-4-5
It may seem a long way off, but 2017 is the turn of NSW to again host the GEMBOREE and,
as most of you will already know, it will be held at Lithgow.
Hawkesbury Showground, Clarendon
Many of the positions are filled, and planning has started. There is still, of course, lots to be
done and your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Perhaps not immediately, but if
you can spare some time in the coming two years, and during the event, we’d love to
hear from you.
(Clarendon is two stations Sydney side of Richmond)
The Clarendon Showground has been booked for this year.
Camping is available on the Showground, at $15 per night.
While we wait for someone to offer their services as Competition Organiser and, hopefully
someone will very soon, Barbara Try is preparing the schedule now so it can be available in
time to allow you to work on entries. It will probably be in the March issue of the G&L News
and on the website by then too. So keep an eye out for it. Let‟s make this a spectacular
show, with lots of entries for visitors to be amazed by.
Help us make this show a spectacle everyone will want to see. Do come to the show, but
long before that, come to some meetings and bring your ideas.
Marilyn Behrens
GMK 2015 Co-ordinator
9635 8218
You might have read about Council‟s offer that any club that assists with the practical
running/organising of the GEMBOREE
will get FREE tailgating space at the
GEMBOREE for the duration of the event. Keep in mind that material sold at
the free
tailgating stall MUST be club material - that is it is not to be owned by an individual. It is
aimed to benefit the club as a whole.
Barbara has asked for rhodonite to use for the trophies that are presented at this
GEMBOREE. She needs about 40 pieces 100mm x 80 x 10mm thick. If clubs would cut
the pieces to size, they can keep off-cuts for the own use. Council is willing to pay
reasonable cost for the material. If you can help, please contact Barbara as soon as
possible on 4393 6168, 0417 676 435 or [email protected]. To date Barbara has
about half of what she needs.
Arthur has given Barbara maple wood to use for the trophy bases.
Committee members will visit Lithgow early in March to measure up and check out
different aspects of the hall and grounds. So you see, work is now starting in
earnest
March 2015
Gem and Lapidary News
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If you would like to see some photos from some of our courses please visit our gallery
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Gem and Lapidary News
March 2015
March 2015
Gem and Lapidary News
8
Meet Your Hardworking G & L Council Members
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Gem and Lapidary News
March 2015
Barbara Try – Delegate to the G&L Council of NSW – Northern Districts Lapidary Club
Inc.[NDLC]
Tony Try - Delegate to the G&L Council of NSW – for the Central Coast Lapidary Club
When I left PNG in 1975, I had to gain employment in the city
of Sydney. However, being basically a “bush” person I
accepted an offer to go fossicking at Oberon. Being
completely naïve in these matters, the only „fossicking‟ of
which I was aware related to gold, so I was very surprised
when I was informed that we would be looking for sapphire
and zircon. In those days they were a lot easier to find than they are now.
Following this rather successful fossicking weekend I then joined the Northern Districts
Lapidary Club Inc. [NDLC]at Beecroft, NSW – I think it was in 1976 – where I leaned the art
of cabochon cutting and then faceting. Like many others, opal became a passion and I still
have a “love/hate” relationship with that particular gemstone.
I have served on the committee of the NDLC as Field Trip officer on a number of occasions,
and enjoyed co-ordinating a number of well attended trips to other States as well as to
other areas close to home.
While I do not currently hold a position with the NDLC, I am still a member. However, for
various reasons – mainly because we live relatively close by –I am now also a member of
the Central Coast Lapidary Club, and act as the Delegate to the G&L Council for that club.
Tony Try
Mrs Gwen Johnson of the Parramatta Holroyd Club first
tweaked my interest in lapidary, when I was at school, by
giving me some polished tumbled stones. Later, I went
fossicking at Grabben Gullen and found “pin-head” sized
sapphires. Then in 1974 I crossed the Nullabor to WA with
a friend, and we were fortunate [?] to be befriended by an
old miner who had a Chrysoprase mine North of Kalgoorlie.
I still have a soft spot for this stone today. However, on our return trip home the car was
considerably heavier as we then collected “rocks” everywhere – we were well and truly
hooked.
I then joined the NDLC in 1975, where I learned to cut cabs. During my time as a member
of the NDLC I have held many positions on the Committee, including being President four
times and Editor of the club magazine, “Lapis” for a number of years. I have also been a
teacher, with classes in Cabochon, Faceting and run weekend workshops for enamelling. I
have been made a Life Member of the club and currently hold the position of Vice President
as well as that of Delegate to the G&L Council.
I am also a member of the Central Coast Lapidary Club, where I learn enamelling from a
very well qualified teacher, which allows me to then pass on this knowledge during
workshops at the NDLC.
I first became a Judge [Cabochon] in 1979 and have since then have also become a
qualified judge for Faceting, Enamelling and Jewellery.
I successfully completed the Diploma in Gemmology in 1981
I have been the NDLC Delegate to the G&L Council for some time, where I am also one of
the G&L Council Tutors, who run courses, at a club‟s request, to teach members how to cut
cabochons to the standard as dictated by the Competitor and Judging Manual for Lapidary
and Allied Competitions. The fact that Ihave been successful incompetitions at a National
levelis a big help, and gives me credence and respect when running these courses.
I have recently been elected as the President of the G&L Council of NSW and I am also the
Chairperson the NSW Judging and Rules Committee
Barbara Try
March 2015
Gem and Lapidary News
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“FOOD FOR THOUGHT”
[Unfortunately some “food” does not taste very nice]
A question I have often been asked is, “why did you join the lapidary club?”
Personally, I joined because I like getting out of the town and enjoying the
Australian bush. Fossicking was my introduction to lapidary. I had beginner’s luck
and found some nice sapphires and zircons which were large enough to cut. The
question was – “now what do I do with them?”
So, not knowing how to cut them, and with a wife that wanted them turned into
jewellery so she could wear them, I joined a lapidary club. The club had a great
atmosphere; everyone was friendly and very helpful and I soon became hooked
on trying to cut a “good” stone. I first leaned cabbing and then faceting and
some-time later those stones we found were turned into jewellery, which had a
far greater emotional value than monetary –WE FOUND AND CUT THEM !!!!!
I have since asked other people the same question, and although there have been
a few answers that mirror a similar response to mine, I believe that times have
changed, which result in a different view point.
Many of the answers that I have been given revolve around the perception that
joining a lapidary club is a means of making a fortune. They will be taken on Field
trips where they will be guaranteed a hole that finds large sapphires/gold or other
gemstones. After only a couple of classes at the club they will have a finished
product that can be sold for a fortune.
I don’t know how many times I have heard frustrated teachers tell the newcomer
that it takes longer than a couple of hours to achieve the results they want.
There is even more disappointment when it is realised that some people just do
not have the abilities required, and will never be able to cut a decent stone.
I remember one guest speaker that talked about where and how to find opal. We
had a great roll-up for the meeting. There were people that did not normally
come to meetings, as well as the regulars. Believe it not, but at the end of the
meeting a number of people did not stay for the usual tea/coffee and cakes and
were heard to mutter that they expected a mud-map with an “X” marking the
spot to guarantee that they would find opal.
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Gem and Lapidary News
March 2015
A club can offer great friendships, camaraderie, an escape from work or other
everyday problems as well as some self- esteem and pride when you complete a
project to the best of your abilities; something that you are proud to show to
others. Maybe consider putting it in a competition to see how your standard
compares with others and gain some impartial feedback to assist you to improve
even further.
So why did YOU join a lapidary club?
R.R.
----------------------------------
Letter and photos from Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.
Hi Sandra,
Once again the Tucson Gem & Mineral show lived up to all expectations.
This was the 61st Show and the showcase focus was on “Minerals of western Europe”.
As you can see from the photos the displays were exquisite and memorable.
Remember that Western Europe was the „home of mineralogy‟ with many of the early
mineral identifications and collections being made in this region. By Western Europe they
decided that it was basically Europe minus Russia.
Next year the Showcase theme will be: “Shades of BLUE – minerals of the world”.
Brian
Ed Note: Brian has sent some wonderful photos but their beauty doesn‟t show up in black
and white. If you would like to view them, follow this link and you can see them in their
entire colour.
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/wveg2dzx91lvi6z/AAACOwMpklMMI-YVb3ocM7Gka
March 2015
Gem and Lapidary News
Hawkesbury Agricultural Show Competiton.
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Gem and Lapidary News
March 2015
March 2015
Gem and Lapidary News
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Gem and Lapidary News
March 2015
Robilt Lapidary Supplies
167 Endeavour Drive North Cranbourne 3977
P.O.Box 179 Doveton Victoria 3177
Ph : (03) 5996 0750
Fax : (03) 5995 7505
Mob : 0414 469 203ABN 37 856 874 788
Email : [email protected]
Manufacturers of Lapidary Machines for over 45 years
Tumblers – Trimsaws – Slabsaws – Grinders - Polishers
Vibro Laps – Flat Laps – Faceting & Combination Machines
Suppliers of Grits – Laps – Wheels – Blades – Dops – Discs.
Service – Repairs – Spare Parts - Rough – Cut – Polished Stones
Servicing Your Lapidary Needs
What’s Coming Up!
The Cessnock Gem and Mineral Club will be holding three Open Days during Seniors
Week in March, on Tuesday 17th and Thursday 19th from 1pm, and Saturday 21stfrom
10am.
21st & 22nd
21st & 22nd
New England Lapidary Fossicking Club
24th Annual Gem and Craft Show
Armidale Showground Armidale.
Canberra Lapidary
EPIC Canberra
Rock Swap Wagtail Way
In April
3rd – 6th Gemboree Horsham Victoria.
May
16th & 17th
30th & 31st
Lismore Gemfest Showground Lismore NSW
Canberra Winter Show Pavilion EPIC Canberra
March 2015
Gem and Lapidary News
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Gem and Lapidary News
March 2015
Chrysocolla
In 315 B.C., chrysocolla was first used by a Greek philosopher and botanist known as
Theophrastus. During early times, chrysocolla was used as a soldering agent and in ancient
Egypt, it was widely known as the 'wise stone' as it was thought to be able to shield the
mind during times of negotiation.
For 50 years we have been manufacturing and supplying quality base metal Findings and
Mountings to Lapidary and Craft enthusiasts.
Shop online for a large range of:
 Findings
Chains – Neck chains and Bulk chain
Mountings: Rings, Pendants, Brooches, Bracelets etc.
 Snap –TiteTM Settings – Sterling Silver and Gold Filled
 Discounted and close-out Specials
www.australianlapidarysupplies.com.au
Phone: 02 95318922 Email: [email protected]
Discount for Lapidary Clubs and Members
Simply order online and type in coupon code: lapidary at checkout.
Chrysocolla is one of the lesser known gemstones, but it is a fascinating mineral. It is
sometimes confused with turquoise due to its colour and greasy to vitreous luster.
Chrysocolla is one of a small group of copper-bearing gems that includes malachite, azurite,
Larimar, Oregon sunstone and Paraiba tourmaline, as well as turquoise.
By composition, chrysocolla is a hydrous copper silicate, often with traces of copper, iron
and manganese oxide. It is a fairly soft stone at 2 to 4 on the Mohs scale, which makes it
somewhat softer than turquoise. It is almost always opaque, and often occurs in shades of
blue and green that make it appear similar to turquoise.
The name chyrsocolla comes from the Greek words for gold (chyrsos) and glue (kolla). It is
a name that the Greeks applied to minerals used for soldering gold, but the term came to be
used to refer to various green copper-bearing minerals.
Identifying chrysocolla by composition can be difficult since it lacks a definitive chemical
composition. Its chemical formula can vary depending on included impurities. Essentially,
any massive, globular, blue to green copper-bearing silicate which cannot be specifically
identified as otherwise, can be identified as chrysocolla. Chrysocolla can often be
distinguished by its hardness, unique colour and interesting patterns. However, depending
on its exact composition, its hardness can range significantly, but in most cases,
distinguishing chrysocolla can typically be done through scratch testing. Chrysocolla is
slightly softer than turquoise. Smithsonite is similar in appearance, but its colour is slightly
lighter and its hardness higher. Variscite is also very similar, but its colour is usually much
greener and it is typically much harder than chrysocolla.
Chrysocolla can be found in copper deposits all around the world. The most notable
Chrysocolla sources include Israel, the Congo (Zaire), Chile, England, Kolwezi, Katanga
(Shaba), Mexico, Peru, Russia, and the USA (Arizona, Utah, Idaho, New Mexico, Michigan
and Pennsylvania). Arizona is known to produce some of the finest chrysocolla available
today. The Timna Copper Mines of ancient Israel were famous for mixed chrysocolla
specimens. Western Australia is well-known for chrysocolla psuedomorphs of azurite
Chrysocolla is almost always cut en cabochon. Some materials may be faceted, but this is
not very common and is typically done only for collectors, rather than for jewellery use. Most
chrysocolla is cut into oval and free-form shapes, but fancy shapes are also quite common.
March 2015
Gem and Lapidary News
18
The most popular shapes include rounds, pears, trillions, baguettes and drop-shapes.
Calibrated sizes will command higher premium
Natural Chrysocolla
Cabochon Cut.
Kunzite
Kunzite is composed of lithium, aluminium and silicate. Kunzite crystallizes in the monoclinic
crystal system. Its prismatic crystal structure results in a distinct pleochroism which can be
helpful in identifying kunzite. Kunzite exhibits perfect cleavage, a trait it shares with both
diamond and topaz. With prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, kunzite's colour can fade; a
distinct attribute of the spodumene family. Unlike most other pink coloured stones, kunzite is
often found in very large sizes. Its vitreous lustre and hardness is similar to quartz, making it
softer than pink sapphire and spinel.
Although it was first discovered in the USA, most of the current supply of kunzite is found in
Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kunzite is closely related to hiddenite, the yellow-green member
of the spodumene family which was also discovered and named after an American
mineralogist, W. E. Hidden. Kunzite is known to produce gemstones of great size. In fact,
it's not uncommon to find fine quality stones weighing 20 carats or more. Kunzite and the
entire spodumene group are important industrial sources of lithium, which is used for the
making of medicines, ceramics, mobile phones and automotive batteries.
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Gem and Lapidary News
March 2015
March 2015
When
March
1st
Illawarra Rock Swap
21st & 22nd
21st & 22nd
April
3rd
May
16th & 17th
30th & 31st
Aug
15th-16th
NSW
September
26th & 27th
Oct 3rd-5th
Nov
7th & 8th
Gem and Lapidary News
What
Back cover
Stuart Park North Wollongong.
New England Lapidary &
Armidale Showground
Fossicking Club
Armidale NSW
24th Annual Gem and Craft Show
Canberra Lapidary
Rock Swap
Wagtail Way EPIC
Canberra
GEMBOREE
Horsham VIC
Lismore Gemfest
Canberra Winter Show
Showground Lismore NSW
Pavilion EPIC Canberra
Blaxland Gem & Mineral Club
Gem Show
Glenbrook Community Hall
Great Western Highway, Glenbrook,
Bathex 2015 exhibition &
Bathurst bicentenary
White Cliffs Gemfest
Gemkhana
Bathurst
National Gem and Mineral
Show.
3rd-6th April 2015
Community Hall White Cliffs.
Hawkesbury Showground
Clarendon.
Horsham Vic.
Spring Gemcraft & Mineral Show EPIC – Mallee Pavilion
Canberra Lapidary Club
Illawarra Lapidary Exhibition
Ribbonwood Centre Dapto
GEMBOREE DATES
2015 -VIC
2016 -TAS
2017 -NSW
.
Where
APRIL 3
MAR 25
APRIL 14
“Horsham, here we
come”
.